Ever wonder how someone who pocketed over $100 million playing basketball could end up with just a fraction of that today? The story behind Scottie Pippen net worth is one that makes you shake your head in disbelief.
What Is Scottie Pippen Net Worth in 2025?
Right now, Scottie Pippen’s net worth sits at around $20 million. That might sound impressive to most people, but when you consider he earned $109 million just from NBA salaries during his 17-year career, something doesn’t add up.
The six-time NBA champion spent most of his career with the Chicago Bulls, dominating the court alongside Michael Jordan. But his financial story off the court? That’s where things get complicated.
The Story Behind Scottie Pippen’s Career Earnings
Over nearly two decades in the NBA, Pippen raked in $109 million in salary. Here’s the kicker: that’s actually more than Michael Jordan’s total NBA earnings of $94 million. Yeah, you read that right.
His paychecks came from three main teams. The Chicago Bulls paid him during his championship years and a brief return near the end. The Houston Rockets handed him a massive contract in 1998. Then the Portland Trail Blazers kept the money flowing for four solid seasons.
But earning it and keeping it turned out to be two very different things.
The Most Underpaid Contract in NBA History
Back in 1991, Pippen made a decision that would haunt him for years. He signed a seven-year extension with the Bulls worth $18 million total. That breaks down to just $2.6 million per year.
Why would he do that? Simple. He grew up dirt poor as one of twelve kids. His father was in a wheelchair. His brother too. Financial security meant everything to him, so he jumped at what seemed like guaranteed money.
The problem? The NBA exploded in popularity during the 90s. Salaries skyrocketed. By the mid-90s, Jordan was pulling in over $30 million a season while Pippen was stuck earning his measly $2.6 million. Can you imagine the frustration?
That contract is still talked about today as one of the worst deals any superstar ever signed.
How Scottie Pippen Lost His Fortune
So where did all that money go? Three major things drained his fortune.
A Devastating Financial Fraud
The biggest hit came from trusting the wrong person. Pippen handed his money over to a financial advisor who turned out to be a complete fraud. That mistake cost him roughly $20 million.
The advisor eventually went to prison, but Pippen never saw that money again. Gone. Just like that.
Costly Divorces and Family Obligations
Pippen has eight kids. Eight. That means years of child support payments adding up fast. His divorce from reality TV personality Larsa Pippen in 2021 didn’t help either.
The court ordered him to fork over half of his Chicago Bulls retirement fund as part of the settlement. That covered half of everything he earned during their 20-year marriage from 1997 to 2016.
On top of that, he’s been helping support his large family back home, including his 12 siblings. Family comes first, but it definitely comes with a price tag.
Endorsement Deals and Business Ventures
NBA salary wasn’t his only income stream. Pippen scored major endorsement deals throughout his career. Nike gave him his own signature shoe line, with the Air Pippen 1 becoming a fan favorite in 1997.
Big brands like McDonald’s, Coca-Cola, Visa, and Frito-Lay all wanted a piece of Pippen’s star power. Those deals brought in millions more on top of his playing contracts.
These days, he stays relevant through public appearances and media projects. His tell-all book “Unguarded” gave fans an inside look at his life and career. He’s also got a documentary in the works about the Bulls’ 1991 championship run.
Scottie Pippen’s Legacy Beyond the Numbers
Money troubles don’t erase what Pippen accomplished on the hardwood. Six NBA championships. Seven All-Star selections. Two Olympic gold medals won in the same years as NBA titles, a feat only he has achieved twice.
The league named him one of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History back in 1997. The Bulls retired his number 33 jersey. His defensive prowess and all-around game made him one of the best small forwards to ever play.
His bank account might not reflect his greatness, but his basketball legacy speaks for itself. Sometimes the numbers that matter most aren’t the ones with dollar signs in front of them.
